Are you looking for some of the best Christmas light displays near Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered!
We can all agree that the best part of the holiday season is the multitude of Christmas light displays in the area. There is nothing like bundling up and driving around your neighborhood to enjoy the many colors and scenes.
Thankfully, there are several other ways to enjoy Christmas light displays near Philadelphia, including several in the city itself! Some of the displays listed below are FREE while others cost money to enjoy.
It’s hard to visit every display during the Christmas season, but there are some that we never miss. They include the Lightshow at City Hall, Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Drive Thru, and the lights at Longwood Gardens.
No matter what you celebrate in December, everyone can enjoy a beautiful light display. This guide below shares some of the best in and near Philadelphia for 2023. So, let’s start planning!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Awesome Christmas Light Displays in Philadelphia
1. Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature
Cost: Tickets start at $20 per person
Starting in November, the Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a gorgeous glowing walk-through. The displays are inspired by nature and animals and complemented by soothing music.
In addition to the lights, guests are entertained by various performers. There are also several places along the trail to stop and enjoy a snack and warm beverage.
Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature runs select nights from November 17th until January 6th. Advance reservations are required for entry.
2. Winter in Franklin Square
Cost: FREE
Every year, Franklin Square, at 6th and Race Streets, gets decked out in more 200,000 lights to celebrate the season. But that’s not all! The square puts on the fun, Electrical Spectacle light show, themed to Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of electricity.
The show runs from mid-November through the end February, extended the joyfulness of the season through the dark winter nights. The shows start every night at 5 pm and run every 30 minutes until closing.
While you’re there, take a ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel, or play a round of Chilly Philly mini golf!
3. Miracle on South 13th
Cost: FREE
Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the neighbors on the 1600 block of South 13th Street continue the tradition of the “Miracle on South 13th Street“. Each house is decorated in twinkling lights, illuminating the entire street.
Lights are on from 5 pm – 11 pm every day in December. Visit their Facebook page for updates on events like toy and food drives and visits from Santa Claus.
And, of course, always be respectful when visiting. Remember, people live here!
4. City Hall Lightshow
*Deck the Hall Light Show at Philadelphia’s City Hall is canceled for 2023*
Cost: FREE
This isn’t your typical Christmas light display, but it’s still worth visiting! Every holiday season, Philadelphia’s City Hall is illuminated and transformed with a projection light show.
For 2022, the full light show will return, with a new show starting every hour, at the top of the hour, from 5 pm – 9 pm. The lights come on November 21st and will run until New Year’s Day.
5. Smedley Christmas Display
Cost: FREE
There’s another festive neighborhood in Philadelphia worth visiting! Every year, the residents of Smedley Street (between Oregon and Moyamensing Avenues in South Philadelphia) not only decorate their homes but also the island in the middle of the road.
The lights go on right after Thanksgiving and stay lit through the New Year. As always, this is a residential neighborhood, so be respectful when visiting!
6. American Heritage Grand Illumination
Cost: Free
Every year, American Heritage Federal Credit Union lights up their main branch at 2060 Red Lion Road in Northeast Philadelphia over 400,000 lights and two 40-foot Christmas trees.
You can visit the property for FREE to walk around and enjoy the displays.
To kick off the season, American Heritage hosts a Grand Illumination the Saturday following Thanksgiving (November 25th for 2023).
The event includes a choir, visits with historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, and fireworks!
The Grand Illumination starts at 7pm. However, the lights are on every night starting at dusk through the New Year.
7. Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Cost: Tickets start at $15.99 per person
This awesome Christmas light display has moved to Philadelphia this year!
Tinseltown has relocated to FDR Park at Pattison and S. Broad for 2023. But it will still offer all of the lights and fun of previous years. Activities include ice skating, an ice slide, and photos with Santa Claus for an additional cost.
There are several food and drink vendors, as well as a shopping village, to keep you busy as you stroll around the multiple light displays.
Tinseltown turns on its lights on Friday, November 17th and runs select nights through January 1st.
8. Jolly Trolley in Manayunk
Cost: FREE
Main Street in Manayunk is decked out for the holidays. And the best to see those lights is by the FREE Jolly Trolley! While you’re on board, you might even encounter some carolers or Santa himself.
The trolley runs Thursday and Friday night from 5 pm – 9 pm and Saturdays from 1 pm – 9 pm starting November 30th through December 23rd.
Christmas Light Displays Outside of Philadelphia
9. Christmas at Colonial
Cost: Starting at $12.00 per person
Every year, Colonial Gardens in Phoenixville transforms their nursery to a gorgeous winter wonderland. Half-million of lights decorate their multi-acre walk-through. Some of the lights even “dance” to the music.
Hot chocolate, a candy cane, and a meet and greet with Santa himself are included with admission. Some night even feature popular characters. You’ll also receive a commemorative ornament.
Timed tickets are available online starting November 1st. The event runs on select nights from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
10. Longwood Gardens
Cost: Tickets start at $16 per person
Every year, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square lights up their 1000-acre property with millions of lights! It’s one of the most popular Christmas light displays near Philadelphia!
In addition to lights around the property, the famous Garden Railway will be on display. This multi-level miniature railroad features more than 500 feet of track. Plenty of food and drinks are available on the property at their café and beer garden.
A Longwood Christmas starts November 17th and runs nightly through January 7th. Make reservations ahead of time, as this popular event sells out quickly on weekends!
11. Shady Brook Farm
Cost: Starting at $30 per car
Shady Brook Farm in Yardley has grown its holiday light show to one of the biggest displays in the tri-state area over the last few decades. And every year, they find room to add more lights. This is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Bucks County.
Visitors have options to drive their own vehicle or take an open-air wagon ride along the 1.25-mile display. We love the wagon ride because you sit above the cars and have a better view of the lights!
Afterward, guests can walk through Candy Cane Lane and enjoy a cup of cocoa or make s’mores by the many fires they have roaring through the night.
The Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show will open on Saturday, November 18th, running nightly through January 8th, and then weekends the rest of January.
12. Elmwood Park Zoo
Cost: Starting at $14.95 per person for member and $19.95 for non-members
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights are back again, beginning November 17th running select nights through December 30th.
The Norristown zoo is lit up with projections, strands of lights, and other fun displays. Food and treats are available for purchase. Some of the animals are still out and about during the event, making it even more fun.
13. Jenkins Arboretum
Cost: $25 per car for members, $35 per car for non-members
The Jenkins Arboretum in Devon is fun to visit any time of year. It’s one of our favorite gardens near Philadelphia. But their Luminary Walk in December is one you don’t want to miss.
The event has gotten so popular they’ve expanded the event to three nights for 2023. The Luminary Walk will take place December 8-10th. Each night offers two arrival times; 5:00-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:00 pm.
Guests will have plenty of time to walk through the 3000 luminaries and also have the opportunity to purchase food and beverages during the event. Visit their website to purchase your tickets before they sell out!
14. Holiday Village Festival of Lights
Cost: FREE
Rose Tree Park at 1671 N Providence Road in Media has been lit up for the holiday season over the last four decades for the month of December and they not stopping this year!
The Holiday Village Festival of Lights starts December 1st. The lights are on from 5 -10 pm and are lit everyday until the New Year. The walk is accessible for all and even leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights.
They’ve also brought back the Holiday Village featuring local food and gift vendors. The Holiday Village vendors will be out Friday and Saturday nights, December 1st – December 16th.
15. Holiday Light Show at Diggerland
Cost: 34.95 per car
Diggerland, a construction-themed amusement park in West Berlin, NJ, transforms to winter wonderland.
The park is decked out for a family-friendly Christmas lights drive-through. Even some of the trucks shine bright! The light show runs select nights from mid-November through New Year’s Day.
After driving through the show, stop by the Fork Lift Café for some treats.
16. Peddler’s Village
Cost: FREE
There is nothing more magical than walking around millions of Christmas lights while shopping. Every year, Peddler’s Village in Lahaska lights up for the season with beautiful lights and holiday displays.
They kick off the holiday season with the Grand Illumination the Friday before Thanksgiving (November 17th, this year), and keep the lights glowing through January 14th.
They have several fun events throughout the season including the Holly Jolly Weekend the first weekend in December, and two weekends of Fire & Frost in January. Or you can stop by after riding a train with Santa in New Hope.
17. Lehigh Valley Zoo Winter Light Spectacular
Cost: Starting at $14 for non-members and $8 for members
Over 1.2 million lights make the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville shine with holiday fun!
Kids can also meet with Santa and watch performances from some of their favorite princesses. Cozy snacks like hot cocoa and s’mores are available for purchase.
The zoo lights turn on November 10th and run every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and select weekday nights, through December 31st.
18. Carnival of Lights
Cost: Starting at $14 per person
Christmas lights and amusement park rides make the perfect combination for holiday family fun! The Norco Fire Dept. at 144 W. Schuylkill Rd. in Pottstown transforms their premises into a festive holiday wonderland.
Walk through 250,000 holiday lights, ride the Ferris wheel, and eat your favorite carnival treats as you celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family.
Carnival of Lights runs select nights from Black Friday through New Year’s Day, every evening starting at 6 pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day).
Tickets include the holiday light walk through and unlimited amusement rides. Guests can also purchase pictures with Santa or play some carnival games.
There are also special dates including spaghetti dinner with Santa on December 9th, and fireworks on December 30th.
19. Koziar’s Christmas Village
Cost: Tickets start at $10 per person
In 1948, William Koziar started decorating his property with so many Christmas lights it became known as the “Christmas House”.
Fast-forward to 2023, the decorations have expanded into a Christmas Village and bring in visitors from miles and miles away.
Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville opens the first weekend of November and will run on select nights through New Year’s Day.
Admission varies depending on the night (prime night versus standard).
And as it gets closer to Christmas, the busier the places gets. Visitors report waiting in hours of traffic to reach the Village.
20. Christmas Spirit Light Show
Cost: Starting at $25 per car
Drive through this 1-mile long light display at Lancaster’s Clipper Magazine Stadium. This is the 5th year for for Christmas Spirit Light Show and they continue to add more lights to top the previous year.
And, if you visit on the weekend, you can walk through the Christmas Tree Lane on the stadium’s concourse level. There are over 100 fresh-cut trees on display, decorated by local organizations.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, listen to local choral groups, and indulge on the some holiday snacks.
21. Yuletide at Devon
Cost: Starting at $23 per person
This is the debut year for Yuletide at Devon, a European-style yuletide festival at the Devon Horse Show and County Fairgrounds.
Offering more than just lights, the festival includes rides, a European-style Christmas market, farm-to-table food, and live music. Of course, there are also photos with Santa Claus for the little ones.
The market is open almost every day (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays) from November 24th through December 31st, with hours varying depending on the day.
22. Herr’s Holiday Lights Display
Cost: FREE
Every year, the Herr’s campus in Nottingham comes to life with over 600,000 lights!
This drive-thru holiday lights display near Philadelphia run daily from November 22nd through January 2nd. The lights turn on at 5:00 pm and stay on until 7:00 am.
23. LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
Cost: Starting at $20
Brand new for 2023, the Greater Philadelphia Fairgrounds in Phoenixville will transform into a holiday spectacle for the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival.
The immersive holiday lights experience will feature displays that rival Chinese lantern festivals, but with a holiday twist. You don’t want to miss the Golden Ornaments or the Holiday Express.
LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival begins on November 17th and runs select nights until January 15th. You must reserve tickets ahead of time on their website.
24. Christmas on the Mountain
Cost: FREE
Over the past 30 years, the Hillside Playground at 459 N 14th Street in Reading, PA, has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. Over 2 million lights, inflatables, and vintage decor bring joy to the neighborhood.
Christmas on the Mountain in Reading is FREE to attend. There is a concession stand selling hot chocolate and sweet treats. Kids can also meet with Santa to share what’s on their Christmas list.
Christmas on the Mountain runs nightly starting November 24th through December 23rd.
25. Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill
Cost: FREE
Every year the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is decked out in Christmas cheer! The holiday lights feature the beautiful historic buildings and the grounds. There is also a model train display for the event!
In addition to walking through the lights, visitors can enjoy live music and sit by a warm fire while savoring food and drinks from local food trucks.
Holiday Light’s at Gring’s Mill runs Friday-Sunday, December 1st through December 30th, with bonus nights December 18th-23rd.
26. GLOW at Washington Township
Cost: Starting at $40 per car for the drive through and $10 per person for the Dazzling District.
Brand new for 2023, GLOW at Washington Township combines a drive-through light experience with additional fun. Their Dazzling District including a Ferris Wheel, mini light show, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.
You can buy tickets to the drive through, the Dazzling District, or both. Purchase them online to secure the day and time you want to visit!
GLOW runs nightly from November 24th through January 6th.
27. The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
Cost: Starting at $12
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan, NJ offers a unique holiday experience with a Christmas Village and hayride. A winding pathway illuminated with thousands of lights weaves through the village where you write a letter to Santa or a stop in our amazing life sized gingerbread house and igloo.
The Village at Anne Ellen runs Wednesday-Sunday from November 11th through December 30th. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
28. Lights in the Village at Fairview Village Church
Cost: FREE
Don’t miss this incredible event that runs one weekend only!
The Fairview Village Church in Eagleville goes all out with over 100,000 lights, live nativity, and Bethlehem Village. Even Santa and the Grinch will be on site for photos.
The FREE event runs December 8th and 9th for 2023. FREE parking is available at Norristown High School and Arcola Intermediate School with shuttle service to the church.
29. DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Cost: Starting at $19.95 per person
DiDonato Family Fun Center in Hammonton, NJ transforms into a winter wonderland as the Rolling Railway travel through the millions of lights.
But the Magical Holiday Express isn’t the only thing included with your ticket to the fun! There are meet and greets with elves, Santa, and a friendly snowman, treats, toys, and even bowling!
The Magical Holiday Express runs Friday – Sunday November 17th -26th, and every day from December 1st through the 23rd. Purchase your tickets online to guarantee admission.
30. Lights in the Parkway
Cost: $16 per car
This is Allentown’s 27th year of Lights in the Parkway. A mile of Lehigh Parkway is transformed with thousands of lights that you can drive through.
Ticket proceeds give back to the community by benefiting local non-profit organizations.
The lights turn on November 24th and run through December 31st. Purchase you tickets online for the date you want to drive through.
You can also participate in “Move It Mondays” and walk, run, or ride your bike through the lights from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. No reservations required.
Other Christmas Fun Near Philadelphia
The Philadelphia area offers so much to do during the holiday season it’s hard to keep up!
Some of our favorite ways to spend Christmas in Philadelphia include visiting the Christmas Village in LOVE Park and the Christmas Carol walk-through in Macy’s.
There are also many ways to enjoy the holidays in Bucks County, like Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor or visiting the beautifully decorated Fonthill Castle in Doylestown.
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